If I Were Forced to Wear a Uniform Every Day – What Would It Be?

From the age of 18 right up until my last “proper” job, I’ve worn a uniform. Every single day. I didn’t have to think too much — just get dressed and get on with it. It sounds simple, and in many ways it was. But it also meant that for years, I had no idea what actually suited me.

One of my very first uniforms was the iconic Asda green. My dad joked that it looked like mould and told me it would grow on me. Spoiler: it didn’t. But I wore it anyway because that’s what the job needed. Since then, I’ve worn all sorts — tunic tops and trousers in beauty therapy, tunic dresses in care and podiatry. If the job came with a set uniform, I wore it without question.

The Safety and the Struggle of Uniforms

There are definite benefits to having a uniform. You don’t have to think about what to wear each morning. There’s no pressure to impress anyone or stress about being underdressed. It’s easy, especially when life is busy.

But for me, the downside was bigger than I realised.

Because I never had to think about what I wore, I never really worked out what looked good on me. I didn’t learn what colours made me feel confident, or what fabrics felt best. If someone told me something looked good, I’d wear it — even if I didn’t actually like it. I didn’t want to rock the boat or let anyone down.

It wasn’t just about clothes. It was about wanting to fit in.

A New Job — With No Uniform

Next month I’m starting a new position, and for the first time ever, there’s no uniform. No one telling me what to wear. No one else setting the rules. And honestly? I’m bricking it.

As a mum, my day-to-day uniform is basically leggings and a T-shirt — comfortable, easy, and toddler-proof. But for this new job, I’ve had to go out and buy actual office clothes. And let me tell you, I found it overwhelming. Not just because of the cost or the time, but because I had no idea what I was looking for. I’ve never had the space to explore what “my style” really is.

When you’ve spent your life trying to keep things simple, or trying to blend in, it’s hard to know what feels like you.

Since Becoming a Mum, Comfort Has Come First

Since Amelia was born, comfort has become the number one priority. There hasn’t really been time to think about anything else. And because I didn’t know what suited me to begin with, I just defaulted to whatever felt easiest and most familiar.

But something’s shifted recently. I’ve started thinking more about how I want to feel in my clothes — not just how practical they are. What feels good? What feels like me? I’m still figuring it out, but that in itself feels like a huge step.

So, If I Had to Pick a Uniform Now…

If someone told me I had to wear the same thing every day now — but I got to choose it — I think I’d go for something relaxed, soft and flexible. High-waisted trousers or comfy jeans, a loose blouse or soft cotton top, and a cardigan I can wrap myself in on the harder days. Something that feels put together without being stiff. Something that says, “I’ve got this,” even when I’m not totally sure I do.

It wouldn’t be Asda green. It wouldn’t be a tunic. And it definitely wouldn’t be picked by someone else.

It would be mine.

If you’ve ever looked in your wardrobe and felt a bit lost, or if you’ve always dressed for other people instead of yourself, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a parent, neurodivergent, or just someone who’s always tried to fit in — figuring out what feels right for you is a journey.

👚 So tell me: if you had to wear the same outfit every day, what would your dream uniform be? Drop it in the comments. Let’s normalise comfort, confidence, and clothing that feels like you.

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References:

Personal reflections from working across beauty, care and podiatry Real-life experiences of parenting and post-baby identity The quiet power of clothes and how they shape how we see ourselves

If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?